Biz Bits: Resignation means opening on Chico Airport Commission

Businesses whose staffs hop on airlines frequently have an interest in air travel and their local airports, so perhaps what's happening with the Chico Airport Commission is noteworthy.

Long-time commissioner Kurt Nathan resigned in June because his employment was taking him away from this area. Applicants must live in Chico.

It not clear exactly how the City Council will go about filling this opening, as well as one on the Chico Planning Commission. The council will talk about the process on Aug. 5. It could open the application process or take from the pool of applicants from the last go-around.

This could be a particularly important term considering the financial woes the Chico Municipal Airport has been under. Commissioners have been struggling with a deficit budget, a lag in passenger interest and other pressures. There's no glamor in this political seat.

Regarding passenger service, you may remember there was quite a flurry when a former Santa Rosa county supervisor visited to talk about airlines that drop passenger service. That happened in Santa Rosa several years ago, and in June, United through SkyWest Airlines stopped serving Modesto.

A contingent from the Chico Chamber of Commerce will be visiting Santa Rosa as a follow-up to the local discussion. CEO Katie Simmons tells me that the group will be meeting with the airport manager, city manager and others. They'll share the info upon their return.

Decade of experience

Sarah Adams is excited that her Chico business has reached the 10-year mark, and so she should be. That's nearly an eternity in the new age of business. I ran into Adams early in her business career and am pleased to see she has prevailed with Chico Chai, a micro-brewed beverage with an organic tea base. Various spices are added to change the flavors. A more thorough explanation is on her website, www.chicochaitea.com

I asked Adams what lessons came through over those 10 years and got this thoughtful response: "One thing I've learned as an entrepreneur is to have a clear and flexible vision of the business you want to create or projects you want to accomplish. So often unexpected obstacles will appear or wonderful opportunities pop up, and it's necessary to thoughtfully adjust your original plan to fit the new landscape, while at the same time maintaining the core values of that original vision. This has been an important balance to strike."

Congratulations to Adams and those like her who venture into small business.

Builders forecast

An update for builders, developers and others in real estate is from noon to 1 p.m. July 24 in the Old Municipal Building, East Fifth and Main streets, upstairs from the Chico Chamber office. There's no cost, but the chamber is asking for reservations, 891-5556.

It doesn't sounds like the news will be good, but at least the business community won't have to guess at what's coming their way.

Manufacturers news

A local manufacturer asked that I include a bit about the California sales tax exemption for manufacturers purchasing equipment. It occurred to him that some manufacturers may not know.

The exemption started July 1, and reduces the state portion from 7.5 percent to 3.3125 percent for qualified purchases. Construction contractors and research/development firms may also qualify for certain equipment.